As an owner, you can contribute to the open, friendly Co-op community by becoming an Owner-Worker. You will work with some great people, learn new skills, and participate in the daily operations of our store. For most positions, all it takes is a two-hour per week commitment.

 Operational Positions

Deli Workers

cut cheese to order for shoppers, and cut and wrap cheeses for backstock and the deli cases. Excellent customer service skills and attention to detail are necessary if you are considering working in this popular section of the store. Training: one 2-hour orientation and then on-the-job training.

Produce Stockers

sort, trim, clean and display the fresh fruits and vegetables in the produce department. You will learn unique display techniques and how to recognize produce quality and freshness. These positions require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Training: one 2-hour orientation and then on-the-job training.

Stockers

keep products on the shelves in each of the store's bulk, grocery, and health & household areas. These positions require the ability to lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Training: one 2-hour orientation and then on-the-job training.

 

 Support Positions

Co-op in the Classroom

Talk with the kids about the principles of sustainable agriculture and what it is to eat fresh, local foods. Extensive training and mentoring is provided, and the schedule is very flexible. Must have weekday hours available.

Recyclers

Sort, clean, and straighten the in-store bottle return area. They also recycle other materials, such as cardboard, styrofoam, and aseptics at the recycling area and keep that area tidy. Training: one 1/2-hour session.

Board of Directors

The Co-op's owners elect our ten-member board annually. The Board Development Committee recommends, as nominees, interested owners who have the experience and skills needed to guide our $11 million corporation. This position requires a minimum of eight to ten hours per month, and Directors serve 3-year terms. Extensive training in board process is provided.

Committee Members

Meet on varying schedules throughout the month. The committees are: Finance, Owner Relations, and Board Development. For more information, contact the Marketing Manager at the South Store.

The Co-op Thymes

Produced with the help of Support Owner-Workers who provide photography, do data entry, or write articles, as assigned by the editor.

Special Projects

Include such tasks as coordinating or participating in special events like workshops, parties and functions for owners, Board events, making phone calls to blood donors, maintaining the Co-Op bulletin boards, doing computer work or making phone calls to welcome new owners. The work schedule is on a flexible, as-needed basis.

Maintenance

Includes in-store, as well projects such as watering plants. Special skills in plumbing, carpentry, and painting are also useful.

1. Read the position descriptions on this web page or in the brochure.
   
2. Fill out an operational and/or support Owner-Worker application at the Customer Service desk at either Co-op location.

Operational owner-workers will be called for the next available orientation. Please note that there may be a 1-3 month wait if there are no positions open at the time of application. At the orientation, you'll learn more about the Co-op and the positions available. At this time, we'll arrange a training session for the position that best suits your needs and the Co-op's. After your training, you may begin immediately as an Owner-Worker in the position for which you have trained.

Support owner-workers will be called as positions open up. Contact Rivka at 753-3115 Ext. 335 or rivka@firstalt.coop if you have any questions about the program.